[2] A novel written by Samuel Richardson, and first published in 1740.

[3] Diminutive of Praskovia.

[4] Diminutive of Nastia.

[5] An allusion to the system of education introduced into England by Joseph Lancaster at the commencement of the present century.

[6] Diminutive of Alexei (Alexis).

[7] A character in “Nedorosl,” a comedy by Denis Von Vizin.


[THE SHOT.]

CHAPTER I.

We were stationed in the little town of N——. The life of an officer in the army is well known. In the morning, drill and the riding-school; dinner with the Colonel or at a Jewish restaurant; in the evening, punch and cards. In N—— there was not one open house, not a single marriageable girl. We used to meet in each other’s rooms, where, except our uniforms, we never saw anything.